Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV) is a world-renowned institution comprising two exquisite sites: the heritage-listed Melbourne Gardens and the contemporary native garden in Cranbourne. While RBGV's gardens are celebrated for their natural beauty, the organisation also plays a pivotal role in leading global plant science and conservation research. Through its commitment to excellence in horticulture, conservation, research, and public engagement, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria continues to be a beloved institution that inspires appreciation and understanding of the natural world.

As a result of an internal review to set RBGV for success into the future, a Director of Living Collections and Environment has been created to lead the horticulture, arboriculture, landscape architecture and natural systems functions across the Melbourne and Cranbourne sites. The primary objective of this role is to create and maintain world-class landscapes, living collections, and natural areas, fostering community engagement and promoting conservation. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the development and implementation of long-term strategies and plans for the Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens sites to ensure their success and sustainability.
• Oversee horticulture, arboriculture, and nursery operations, ensuring excellence in plant curation, collections development, irrigation, biosecurity and risk management.
• Manage natural systems, focusing on conservation, water, and landscape health.
• Promote design excellence to enhance RBGV's reputation through world-class landscapes.
• Manage environmental risks and mitigate threats, such as climate change, biosecurity and fire.
• Cultivate a collaborative work culture, promoting cross-divisional ways of working and fostering a whole-organisation approach.
• Maintain high standards of OHS compliance and a strong safety culture.
• Manage financial resources effectively, and where appropriate, contribute to revenue generation opportunities for RBGV.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of RBGV's corporate plans, targets, and priorities.
• Develop external networks, partnerships, and strategic relationships to support RBGV's vision and role as a global leader in the sector.

With proven leadership in a similar role, you will have relevant tertiary qualifications in horticulture, arboriculture, landscape architecture and/or natural resource management, or a related field. With a strong understanding of sustainable landscape management practices and environmental risk mitigation strategies, you will possess demonstrated success in developing and implementing long-term strategies and plans for world-class landscapes and natural areas and systems.

As this role will interact with a range of internal and external stakeholders you will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships and networks.

We are seeking a visionary, results-oriented leader with a passion for operational excellence and a dedication to driving continuous improvement. If you possess these qualities and are eager to contribute your expertise to our client, we encourage you to apply.

For a confidential discussion please contact Michelle Collins on 0400 657 601 or apply using the link below attaching your resume along with a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and highlighting how you meet the key selection criteria.

Applications close: 24 January 2025

RBGV is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Our organisation is a proudly child safe organisation and committed to protecting children and young people from harm. Shortlisted applicants will be required to complete the necessary pre-employment checks, including psychometric testing and are subject to the requirements of the VPS Executive Pre-employment Screening Policy.